Kimi seemed not bothered by the fact that she was going completely against her son's wishes as she led Rin through the Western Fortress with incredible ease. Rin couldn't completely figure out why she was so surprised; Kimi was a demon, and a dog demon at that. She could trace scents as well as she'd been living there for hundreds of years. "This way," Kimi chimed as she turned sharply around a corner.

Rin struggled to keep up with her, contemplating dumping the top layer of her clothes on the ground. But she decided against it. Kimi was helping her and she didn't want her to change her mind. "Have any of the other lords come yet?" she questioned curiously, tilting her head as she jogged behind Kimi.

Kimi shook her head, long silver hair shimmering in the dim light as they descended down a flight of stone steps. "No, only the Lord of the South is here. Have no fears, little human. The lord we worry over will not arrive until tomorrow evening at the latest. But, I'm sure you wish, you will not have to worry very much about this."

"I don't know if it'll work," Rin reminded the demoness. "I do hope it does, though. I would like to get out of here before the wolf guy shows up and Sesshomaru gets even more bothersome."

Kimi threw her head back and laughed. "Ah, my son. I taught him to put up a cold front far too well. He was at a fairly impressionable age when I grew bitter with his father. Come, human, this way." She opened a door, making her way down a darkened corridor. "Ah, here we are." She beamed, showing off her fangs. She easily raised her hands, slicing her palm with a claw without a moment's hesitation. At Rin's wide-eyed look, she explained, "Don't worry, human girl. This will heal quickly. I am a demon, remember? Remember this, little one, only the blood of one of my family can open this door."

"Err, okay," Rin agreed, not certain as to why she was being told this. She watched, however, as the blood she pressed against the door sank into the heavy wood. There was a soft snarl as what appeared like a dog sprang away from the handle that let one open the door, its stony gray eyes searching Kimi before it settled down. Rin blinked. "What is that?"

"A guardian demon, specifically born to protect the treasures of the Western Fortress," Kimi said smugly, beaming at the stone dog before swinging the door open. "Ah, here we are. Now, what is it that you're searching for, human?"

"An hourglass of some sorts," Rin breathed, offering the scroll she'd barely remembered to bring. She handed it to Kimi, who snatched it up and swept her gaze over the parchment rapidly before beaming and saying pleasantly, "I know where this is. Remain here, little human." She slipped away, humming under her breath, the scroll dangling delicately from between her claws.

Home was close, Rin thought, hope spreading through her. So close. Just beyond her fingertips. Her family would see her again and she would see them once more as well. Then there would be no longer having to deal with the irritating Lord of the West. She felt a small twinge of guilt. He had protected her from demons and kept her safe until they'd reached the Western Fortress. She'd have to ask Kimi to tell him for her that she apologized...

"Here we are!" Kimi's cheerful cry made Rin jerk her head around. Kimi came gliding back, an hourglass in her hand. It wore the same markings as the painting on the scroll, proved when Kimi handed both to her. "Does the scroll instruct how to use it, little human?"

"My name is Rin," Rin commented, then shook her head. "Not really," she admitted, turning her gaze upon the scroll. She studied it swiftly. "Let's see...maybe turning it? I don't know. Might as well try it. It's not like I've got anything to lose."

Kimi looked unhappy at this statement. "You are welcome in the Western Fortress, little human." Rin sighed at this, but Kimi pressed on. "My son may be a bit overbearing when it comes to disobedience but you must remember. He is used to a human girl doing whatever he ordered, whether it be staying back, coming to him, or even remaining on one foot for quite the period of time. Most human women do as they're told when he speaks to them." She beamed. "He is not used to a human woman who acts as demonesses do."

Rin's lips quirked up in a slight smile. "I'd like to see you put him in a room with a female demon. How interesting that would be."

"I might do such a thing," Kimi murmured with sparkling golden eyes. "I do wish for grandpups." She eyed Rin. "Would you return if possible? I do not believe I will have a chance at grandpups with the half-breed's ears should you not."

Rin flushed again. "I told you, Lady Kimi," she sighed. "Nobody intends to wed each other at the moment or in the near future."

"What if it were to be long-term...?" Kimi said hopefully.

Rin shook her head. "I'm sorry."

Kimi pouted. "Oh, alright. I'll find some other human that will be willing to give me the dog ears. Come, see if it will work, little human." She watched intently as Rin took a deep breath, kneeling on the ground and tipping the hour-glass, watching the golden sand within begin to empty into the bottom half.

Suddenly, Rin shimmered. Kimi's eyes widened fractionally as Rin faded from her view and into the unknown.

Rin's eyes fluttered open to discover darkness. "Ooh, okay," she murmured as nausea flooded her when she sat up. "Not fun. Not fun at all."

Where was she? That was the question she found herself wondering as she peered dizzily up at the darkness. As she reached out, her hand skimmed mossy stone, covered in dust. "Okay," she murmured, searching the ground around her. There was nothing, no sign of the hour-glass, no sign of the scroll. She did, however, still wear the fancy clothing she detested. A pout flickered across her face. She hated it.

Suddenly, there was a hint of light above her as the sound of a door opening was heard, followed by a raspy meow and a male voice calling warily, "Hello? Is anyone in here? Rules for the shrine state that nobody is allowed in here without proper supervision!"

"Um," Rin said nervously, her eyes widening. "Sorry, I didn't mean to- um, could you help me out of here? I...I'm not exactly sure as to where I am."

Light shone down a massive shaft as the owner of the voice peered down at her. She squinted up, her head tilting when she realized she was in a dried well. "...Kagome?" the man called hopefully.

"Uh, no, Karin "Rin" Bane," she called back, "But I spoke with Kagome not too long ago. Do you know her? Please tell me you're friendly, because I don't have my weapon and I don't feel like being eaten right now."

"Oh, my- Hold on, please! I'll grab her old ladder!" He disappeared for a few moments, then reappeared, tossing a rope ladder down and pinning it to the top. "Alright," he said after a few moments, "Climb on up."

Rin hesitated briefly, getting rid of a few layers of her clothes. She then proceeded to scramble up the rope ladder, eyes flashing with excitement when she climbed over the lip of the well and discovered a tall man with an equally excited look in modern clothes. "Hi," she said faintly, "Good to know I'm no longer in the land of demons that will eat me."

He threw his head back and laughed. "The Feudal Era will do that to you." He snapped to attention. "You met my sister? Kagome? Is she alright? Is she safe?"

"Kagome was fine when I spoke with her," Rin said firmly, straightening proudly. She was short she knew, much shorter than the tall man beside her. "She was living with...you do know about demons, right? Well, she was living with the half-demon Inuyasha and their two children."

His eyes flashed with relief and happiness. "I'm an uncle, then? That's great! Mom will be really happy that she has grandchildren! You said your name was Karin? How did you get down there? Only Kagome could travel through the well."

Rin shrugged. "I, err, I used this little hourglass that vanished into nowhere," Rin admitted, blinking rapidly when her gaze rested on the outside world. She beamed. It seemed like it had been forever since she had last seen the modern world, and she found herself wanting to cry happily at the sight of it all. "Where am I?" she asked. "What city?"

"Tokyo, Japan in the year 2009." He smiled faintly. "been five years since I've seen my sister. I'm glad she's doing well...Mom!" He called out suddenly, his gaze locked on a woman who swept the stone outside, her brown eyes thoughtful and her dark hair streaked with the occasional gray. The woman looked up. "Mom, come here!"

She hurried over. "What's wrong, Sota?" she questioned, her gaze flickering over Rin with confusion. "Did you find yourself another girlfriend? Young man, I told you that this was unacceptable. You need to choose one girl-"

"Mother!" Sota cried, cutting her off with a horrified look at Rin, who'd flushed a bright red. "She's not- she came from the Bone-eater's Well! I swear!" He pinched the bridge of his nose as his mother took a look at Rin in a new light, her eyes wide. "She's met Kagome."

"Oh, my," Kaori Higurashi breathed, her eyes wide with shock. Her hands fluttered uselessly near her face as she said hopefully, "Is my daughter well?"
"Uh, yeah. Married with two kids," Rin answered nervously, adjusting the clothing she wore. She'd lessened the amount down to two or three layers, yet was still fighting the warmness of it. She fanned herself with a hand nervously. "I'm sorry, but do you have any clothes I could possibly borrow?"

Kaori beamed. "Of course," she said cheerfully, ushering Rin towards the house. Sota kept close behind them, an ancient looking cat slowly trailing after them with a throaty and raspy purr. "I still have some of Kagome's clothes somewhere around here, they should fit you..." She left them in the middle of a hallway, and Rin shifted uneasily as Sota commented, "How did you get to the Feudal Era and back?"
"Back was an hourglass, just like I told you," Rin muttered, "But I still haven't figured anything out...the last thing I remember is the plane I was in crashing..."

"You were on the flight that crashed recently?" Sota demanded. "A few days ago?"

"Uh, yeah," she muttered. "Were there any survivors? Did they...did they figure out what happened or is there anything abnormal that might explain how I got to where I was?" She nervously glanced at Kaori, who had returned with a smile and a set of modern clothing. Rin wanted to cry at the sight of them and eagerly took them when they were offered. "Thank you, Mrs. Higurashi."

"Kaori, dear," Kaori said kindly. "Call me Kaori. And to answer your questions, there weren't any survivors. Everyone on the plane perished, and they're still struggling to recover the bodies, dear. I feel bad for the families that are out there...is your family aware that you're still alive, Karin?"

"Rin," she corrected, "But no. I've been stuck in a place I really didn't want to be in for a few days. They had no way of contacting my family, but... um, where is your bathroom?"

"Two doors to your right," Sota answered. They watched as Rin happily moved away, and then turned to face each other. "Mom, what are we going to do? She can't exactly call her family and explain she escaped a fatal plane accident... She'll be put in a mental institution."

"She can't go home," Kaori whispered, voice saddened. "Poor thing." She suddenly smiled. "I have two grandchildren! Oh, I'm so happy Kagome's happy. I thought... But she's okay! I do hope Inuyasha's not as...rough around the edges as he was years ago."

"If they have kids, it can't be too bad," Sota commented. "She wouldn't have let him sleep with her if he was being bad." A grin lit his face. "She's gotta be at least a little bit happy, right?"

"I miss her," Kaori said wistfully. "Sometimes, I really regret letting her go back. But everyone moves out eventually and she's much happier there, I suppose."

"She seemed happy when I was there," Rin piped up as she reappeared, looking much happier than usual. "She has a five year old son named Saisho and a three year old girl named Amai. Saisho's a lot like his father." Her eyes gleamed with amusement. "He threatened me the first time we met because he thought I was a threat to his sister."

"Aw," Kaori cooed. "I wish I could meet them..."

"Maybe someday you can meet them," Rin reassured, adjusting the just slightly large T-shirt she wore. She could care less about the slight discomfort of over sized clothes. This was much better than the many layers she'd worn before. "I bet they'd like to meet their grandmother."

"Oh, that would be lovely," Kaori sighed longingly.

Rin smiled, then asked, "Do you have a way I can contact my family? I know we're kind of far away from the United States, but..."

"Rin," Sota said gently, "You do realize you were supposed to be on a plane that crashed and killed everyone on board. Technically, you're considered dead to most people here. You can't just call your family out of the blue when you're supposed to be deceased, Rin."

Rin's smile vanished. "...you're telling me I can't tell them I'm okay? I went crazy trying to get back to this time. I had to go around the Lord of the West, who just so happens to be Inuyasha's older brother and is probably after murder now, and I can't even tell my family I'm okay?"

"I'm sorry, Rin," Kaori sighed, "It's not a very good situation, but such things need to be kept from people. If people were to figure out where you'd been at the time of the crash and discovered you to be alive elsewhere, it could be a nasty situation. We had a couple close calls when Kagome was going back and forth with Inuyasha. The press nearly caught Inuyasha and it was a worrying situation for a few days when a few showed up, questioning about the silver-haired man nobody could find."

Rin bit her lip. "I want to go home," she murmured, sighing. "I might as well have stayed in the Feudal Era for my success here. Although...I'm glad I could give you some information on how Kagome's doing. And there's no man-eating wolf demons here."

Kaori chuckled. "The modern era has its own dangers, however."

"It does," Rin agreed. She opened her mouth to speak again, then froze when the world around her seemed to tip upside down. Staggering in confusion, Rin threw her arms out to keep her balance, frowning to herself. "What the hell?!"

Suddenly, the world stopped tipping and Rin found herself standing back in a treasury, filled with the possessions of the Lord and Lady of the West. Rin blinked a few times, wishing for the view around her to disappear, then moaned in her frustration. "Damn it!" she cried, fighting the urge to hurl something at walls like a frustrated toddler.

She pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to focus. Okay, so the scroll had left out a few things. The hourglass wasn't a permanent solution. She'd have to send it to Kagome, to get her to visit with her parents... Nonetheless, she turned to face the device, but it was gone along with the scroll and Kimi. She was alone.

Slowly, Rin picked her way through the treasury. She had to find the doors and get back to her room. She could change before Sesshomaru even suspected anything. Misery accompanied her as she moved, though, her eyes momentarily blank. She couldn't go home. She was stuck in this miserable place for the rest of her mortal life. Wouldn't Sesshomaru be happy, she thought bitterly. She had no reason to leave!

She found the doors, then cursed. They were closed, and another guardian demon was placed in the center of it, glaring warily at her. Its teeth were bared warningly, and it snapped at her fingers when she reached out to push the door open. She jerked her fingers back. "Can you please let me out?" she muttered pleadingly, gazing at the guardian demon. Its stony eyes narrowed. "I just...I won't come back in here. I didn't take anything. I just want out."

The guardian demon huffed in annoyance, but suddenly sprang aside, watching her closely as she pushed the heavy door open and stepped out, her gaze falling to the floor immediately.

She was screwed,maybe even a little bit more than just that.

And she had no reason to try to get out of it anymore.

Sesshomaru was a seething mass of rage as he glowered at his mother, who glared right back at him. Nearby, Ringu and Kokoro exchanged nervous looks, and Reigitadashi watched with an amused look in his eyes, as if remembering a fond memory. "You went against what I ordered, Mother?" Sesshomaru gritted out.

Kimi sniffed daintily. "So? It isn't like I did anything particularly bad, Sesshomaru. I merely sent her to a place of safety: her home. She was miserable. I don't like misery in my home."

"She was not yours to send home," Sesshomaru muttered, irritated with his mother. "I specifically ordered-"

"And you were making her miserable," Kimi retorted. "She is the reincarnation of your precious ward, of which I tested you wish. Would you rather it be here that you were making sad and depressed, Sesshomaru? They are practically the same person."

Sesshomaru bared his teeth. "She is nothing like my ward. Do not mention her again."

A commotion interrupted the small argument and the five in the room turned to face a nervous looking young guard that had suddenly appeared. His eyes were set firmly on Sesshomaru, who glared wordlessly at him, making the poor man's voice quiver as he reported, "I believe the human girl has returned, my lord, her scent was found fresh in the corridor, but we have a bit of an...issue."

Sesshomaru forced himself to heave out a sigh. "What issue?"

"Err, Lord Unarigoe has arrived alongside Lady Mizuki, my lord," the demon reported.

Kokoro sucked in a sharp breath. "Oh, no," she murmured, "We need to find Lady Rin before he does. Ringu, come on, we'll start looking." She darted off, the ogre demon hot on her heels. Kimi's golden eyes were round with confusion as she glanced at her son.

Sesshomaru's icy gaze narrowed furiously on the soldier, who cowered underneath the look. "Find the girl and bring her to me the second she is found. Mother, occupy Unarigoe until I am capable of dealing with him. I want Mizuki sent to me immediately."

"Yes, sir," the soldier murmured, bowing respectfully before fleeing. Kimi gave her son a sharp look as she said firmly, "I don't want a finger laid on that girl, is that understood Sesshomaru? Do not make your father regret giving you the Tenseiga." That said, she slid away to do as he'd ordered.

Sesshomaru watched her leave, then sighed, shaking his head. Jaken would return from the errand he'd been sent on soon, he hoped, and he'd be able to send the imp to watch over the human girl, to make sure she wouldn't run off in such a way again.

A frown marred his face. How had the human managed to leave to a separate time and come back? His mother had told her she was permanently gone. Now...he was alerted of the fact that she had returned? How strange things were now...

"Problems, Sesshomaru?"

He narrowed his eyes at the koi demon and Lady of the East, Mizuki, glided into view. Colorful scales dotted her skin in a few places, and she smiled, showing off bright white teeth as her neon green eyes shone with amusement. "Hello, Maru, it has been quite some time since our last meeting, yes? What issues seem to be bothering you now? Has your human pet caused problems?"

"That is none of your concern, Mizuki," Sesshomaru said icily. "And you know very well that I do not appreciate being called "Maru". My name is Sesshomaru."

She waved his words off and commented, "Nonetheless, why do you wish to speak with me when your pet is obviously in danger of being eaten by wolves?"

Sesshomaru glared for a brief moment before saying stiffly, "I wish to return a possession to the Eastern Lands. I believe it was once your father's, though mine managed to somehow gain possession of it." He plucked the hourglass up with his claws from where it had been set, offering it to the dainty demon. She didn't hesitate to snatch it from him, her eyes gleaming excitedly.

"Ah, this," she breathed, "I remember this from my time as a child. My father was the only one who was allowed to use it. Perhaps I shall experiment with it when I return to my home..."

"I would not advise doing so," Sesshomaru gritted out, then turned away, starting for the nearest entryway of the room. "It is how my human ended up lost in the Fortress." He inhaled sharply, searching for Rin's scent. He found it in an instant, automatically whipping his head around with a low growl when another hit him.

Mizuki tilted her head. "What is it, dog demon? Have you come across something unpleasant?"

"Quite," Sesshomaru growled, stalking forward. "It appears Unarigoe has discovered Rin."

Rin glared nervously at the wolf demon before her, her gaze full of suspicion for the man. "What do you want," she said darkly as the demon's icy blue eyes swept up and down her figure. Despite the clothes she wore, she felt naked. Perhaps that was because of the form-fitting clothes that were just a little bit too big for her...?

"Nothing, though I am curious as to what a human girl in such strange clothing is doing here," the demon drawled, glancing at the bored and annoyed looking demon behind him was, a red-haired wolf on his arm. "Come now, Koga, don't you agree that her flesh would be fun to eat?"

Koga glanced at Rin, who pleadingly looked at him. Sympathy crossed his gaze and he growled at his father, "She belongs to Sesshomaru, Father. Leave her be." He tilted his head, glancing at the woman beside him when she spoke.

"She looks similar to Kagome, clothing wise, anyhow," the red-haired wolf demoness commented. She peered curiously at Rin. "Are you from her land?"

"Technically, yes," Rin murmured nervously. Her gaze flickered back to the demon who could only be Unarigoe, who was watching her with eager gleaming eyes.

"Touch her and you will die a slow and fairly painful death, Unarigoe," a voice said with a sharp iciness that made even Koga flinch. Sesshomaru slid between Unarigoe and Rin, who found herself relieved to see the demon lord for the first time since their arrival at the Western Fortress. Of course, her relief was short-lived. The demon sent her a look that promised later pain, and she grimaced.

"Oh, is she yours?" Unarigoe drawled with a smirk. "I wasn't aware, Sesshomaru. I sincerely apologize for making this mistake..." Rin knew that was a lie for sure. Irritation made her narrow her eyes. "Is she for your supper later or...other enjoyments?"

"Neither." Sesshomaru shot Koga a look. "Control him, Koga, or you will be fatherless. Is that clear?"

Koga rolled his eyes. "Fine. You're welcome to get rid of him now, though." Unarigoe shot Koga a dirty look, blue eyes flashing with annoyance and Koga scowled right back. "I'd rather not piss off a lord I know is more powerful at the moment because he couldn't control himself. 'Sides, he's one of the last ones. We've managed to curb the appetite of most of our pack, but..."

Unarigoe growled, irritated that he was being ignored, and then smirked when Rin loosely clutched a portion of Sesshomaru's long sleeve in her hand. Despite the dog demon's apparent coldness towards the human woman, it was obvious to him that Sesshomaru would protect her with a fierce protectiveness. And he could use that to his advantage...

Rin caught his look, then scowled, nervously keeping close to Sesshomaru. The Lord of the West didn't seem the least bit concerned about her proximity, letting her nearly press against him. "Perhaps it is time you step down, Unarigoe, it does seem to appear that Koga is far more liked among your...pack now."

Unarigoe snarled. "Do not anger me, Sesshomaru. I was long ago allied with your father. An alliance with you is still questionable." Without another word, he stalked away. Koga and Ayame exchanged a wary look, then followed after him, Ayame calling over her shoulder, "We'll watch him, Sesshomaru, don't worry."

The second they were gone, Sesshomaru stepped away, turning a piercing glare on the human girl. Rin cringed slightly, mentally preparing herself for the damage that was sure to follow, but Sesshomaru merely growled, "You were told to remain in your room. You will do so now. There will be guards outside to keep you within."

Rin sensed the words he didn't say. And to keep Unarigoe out. "And if I want to come out?"

"They will accompany you and whoever you wish to go with wherever you go until this...meeting has ended." Sesshomaru turned away, then glanced at her with a look of surprising concern. "You did not choose to stay with your family."

"I couldn't," Rin said bitterly. "I'm considered dead in where I'm from." She gave a dry smile. "So...congratulations, Lord Sesshomaru. You've got yourself a human pet who's stuck here with nowhere else to go." She scowled, throwing her arms out to motion at herself before crossing her arms, uncomfortable. Despite her love of modern clothes, the way Unarigoe had stared at her was incredibly terrifying. She wanted to put on a simple yukata at the least.

Sesshomaru snorted delicately, motioning for the young woman to follow him. His golden eyes flickered in the direction that Unarigoe had gone and he gave a low growl. He would not allow the wolf demon to touch what belonged to him. Even if what belonged to him was a mere human pet.

Keeping closer than she was usually allowed to, they made their way down a corridor. Rin lightly let her fingers grasp his sleeve again, ignoring the small and sharp growl that was sent to her. Nevertheless, Sesshomaru surprised her by allowing her to keep her fingers tight on the cloth.

Rin bit her lip as they finally reached her room. He pushed the door open with a growl and gave her a firm look. "Remain in here. Kokoro, Ringu, and another chosen guard will arrive shortly. You will not leave this room for the remainder of this night. Is that clear?"

Rin sighed. "Yes, sir," she muttered with a role of her eyes. "I won't leave my room until I'm allowed to." She paused. "Quick question for you, however. I'm here, in the Western Fortress, so what the hell are you going to do with me? I'm of no use whatsoever."

Sesshomaru sighed impatiently. "You make it all more tempting to feed you to Unarigoe." That said, he pushed the young human woman into the room that had once belonged to his ward, and slammed it shut right after. With a door between them, he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose lightly with his claws. He had multiple things to do now, he decided. Send someone to fetch Kokoro, Ringu, and whatever guard to make sure the wretch wasn't murdered. Have a rather nasty conversation with his mother. The meeting with the other lords and lady. And avoid loosing an alliance with the North because Unarigoe was stupid.

Sometimes, Sesshomaru missed traveling around as he once had in search of Naraku. Dealing with Inuyasha and even Naraku had been a lot simpler then figuring out how to balance out peace in the Western Fortress.

"Excuse me?" Rin said bluntly, staring at the crane demon before her with a look of utter shock. She had changed into a simple yukata hours before, but stared at the layered clothes that Kokoro now had laid our for her to change into. "No, Kokoro. I am not going to eat at the same table as a demon that intends to eat me."

"Lord Unarigoe won't try anything in front of Lord Sesshomaru," Kokoro reassured with a less-than-soothing voice. "Trust me, Lady Rin, you will be perfectly safe among the most powerful of demons. Lady Mizuki and Lord Reigitadashi do not appear to mind you so much, and Koga and Ayame are there with Lord Unarigoe. They will make sure he does not attempt anything."

"Nope," Rin said firmly. "I'm not going."

"It's the orders of Lord Sesshomaru though," Kokoro gritted out in frustration. "Lady Kimi will be there as well. You are welcome to sit beside her if you so wish, my lady."

Rin scowled darkly in annoyance, then finally huffed, "Fine." Triumphant, Kokoro helped her shrug into the multiple layers of cloth again. She hated it, but Kokoro told her it was necessary to wear proper clothing if she was to dine with someone as extravagant as the Lady of the East. After she was properly dressed, Kokoro called rather sharply, "Ringu! Surudoi!"

Ringu peeked in warily. "Yes, Kokoro?"

"Come here, you two," Kokoro ordered as she twisted Rin's hair into an elegant looking knot and pinned it there with a pair of golden kanzashi and comb. Rin grimaced when it tugged sharply at her hair. "I want you two to escort Rin to supper now."

"Are you sure?" Surudoi said uneasily, exchanging a look with Ringu. "Lord Unarigoe-"

"You know as well as I do that Lord Sesshomaru ordered her presence at supper," Kokoro bit out, glaring at both guards. "Now do as you're told. I must see to the food itself and make sure nobody made something that might offend one of the lords or ladies." That said, she ducked out of Rin's room.

Grumbling, Ringu offered Rin his arm in a fake cheerfulness. "Shall we go, Lady Rin?"

"I suppose," Rin huffed, taking the offered limb. Surudoi stuck close as they made their way into the corridor, a spear in his hand. Rin paused, and Ringu glanced questioningly at her. "Can I bring Jihibukai to dinner with me?"

"No," Surudoi said apologetically. Rin had discovered she liked the hawk demon. He was friendly and more than willing to distract Kokoro if he saw that she was making Rin uncomfortable. "It is considered a threat. But, after supper, if you so wish, Ringu and I will take you to train with it."

Rin brightened considerably. "I would appreciate that," she said cheerfully. She paused thoughtfully as they walked, then questioned, "When I stayed with Inuyasha and Kagome, Kagome told me that full-blooded demons such as Se- Lord Sesshomaru," she corrected hastily when Ringu gave her a look. She needed to remember to use titles around the other demons. She doubted Sesshomaru cared if it was used when they weren't there, though. "She said that full demons don't require food like we humans do. Why is there going to be a big dinner?"

Ringu and Surudoi exchanged looks. "Because the meeting is held over such an event, Lady Rin," Surudoi explained carefully. "The meeting will occur as you dine."

Ringu shook his head. "No offense to you, Lady Rin, but I cannot understand what you'll be doing there. You have no reason to be there. Perhaps Lady Kimi had orders sent that you'll join them, even if Lord Sesshomaru has no idea..."

"No, it was Lord Sesshomaru," Surudoi said confidently. "He came to me himself, Ringu." He tilted his head, taking his eyes off of the ogre demon. "I wonder if he plans on using Lady Rin for bargaining..."

"Excuse me!" Rin cried, waving her arms around in exasperation. "Human is right here! What do you mean, using me for bargaining?"

Ringu hesitated, then began to cautiously explain. "Err, I apologize for Surudoi's words, Lady Rin. But it is a possibility. Lord Unarigoe isn't very fond of Lord Sesshomaru, so he could be thinking of giving you to him in exchange for his alliance, though I find that very doubtful. Lord Reigitadashi, on the other hand, did seem to like Lady Rin... I suppose dragging her into a harem wouldn't be bad to him..."

The look on Rin's face made Surudoi and Ringu grimace in horror at the realization that they may have just terrified Sesshomaru's human. "I'm going to be banished from this place," Ringu moaned with a sigh. Surudoi nodded his agreement, then stopped before a big set of doors. "We're here," he announced.

"Lovely," Rin muttered. Her eventful day hadn't been eventful enough, apparently. She'd failed amazingly at getting home, had found out she couldn't go home home even if she wanted to, had accidentally come across the infamous Unarigoe, and now was being forced to join a meeting that was specifically for the lords and lady of the four different directions.

All because she'd wanted to travel around the world. Never again would she leave any place she claimed as home.

She was the first in the massive room, Rin realized as Ringu and Surudoi escorted her inside. Nobody else had arrived just yet, thank goodness. Ringu instructed her to sit to the left of the head of the table, where Sesshomaru would sit. Kimi would sit on his right as Lady of the West. Beside Rin, Surudoi reassured, would be Mizuki, keeping her well away from any wolf demons that might cause harm.

Of course the only one they were truly worried about showed up before even Sesshomaru himself, and without his son and daughter-in-law. Rin swallowed nervously, truly wishing she'd been allowed to bring her Jihibukai. "Hello, Lord Unarigoe," Rin greeted stiffly, thankful that Surudoi and Ringu were still there to help her should something happen.

He smirked. "Human. Are you what we get to enjoy for supper?"

"Unarigoe, that is quite enough," a feminine voice said sharply, though continuing to sound like the tinkling of bells at Christmas. Lady Mizuki of the East glared at the wolf demon with sharp neon green eyes. An orange scale on her brow gleamed in the light of the room, and she gave Rin a friendly smile. "You must be the human pet Sesshomaru is so obsessed over."

"Obsessed is not what I would call it," Rin muttered, then smiled nervously at Mizuki just as Ringu was silently urging her to do. "Yes. I am Rin."

Mizuki lightly flounced over, perching herself on the seat that was to be hers. "It is very nice to meet you. I must admit, I have no spoken much with the humans in my territory. Part of that reason is because they are so violent towards demons such as myself..."

"Hey, if other demons weren't constantly attacking them, they wouldn't be," Rin pointed out, then added, "No offense of course."

Mizuki threw her head back and laughed. "No offense taken, little human." Rin sighed silently. Another demon that would label her in such a way. Unarigoe silently glared at them from where he'd taken his seat, as if annoyed with Mizuki for arriving when she had. Smirking delicately, Mizuki leaned closer to murmur, "I apologize that I was not here when I should have been. I agreed to help keep Unarigoe away, but I was stopped by Ayame in the halls, asking if I'd seen him."

Rin's eyes snapped wide. The Lady of the East wanted to help her? "Well we found him," she commented drily, then looked up when Reigitadashi suddenly entered the room, followed by Koga and Ayame, both of which looked fairly pissed off. Rin couldn't blame them. She felt bad for the two demons in charge of keeping Unarigoe in check. Koga automatically turned and headed for the wolf with a growl. Reigitadashi zeroed in on Mizuki and Rin and Rin bit her lip unhappily as he headed for them. But before the demon could get a word in, the doors were thrown open again and this time, it was Kimi and Sesshomaru who finally came in.

Sesshomaru, Rin decided, wasn't the happiest of demons at the moment. His gaze passed over her after a moment's glance, and he settled into the seat at the head of the table, Kimi sliding into the chair at his right. He curled his lip in disgust when his gaze passed over Unarigoe, then said sharply, "We will begin now."

"Oh, lovely," Rin muttered under her breath as Koga shoved his father into a seat. Unarigoe snarled in frustration, scowling, and Sesshomaru gave the human woman a growl. "Silent, woman. Do not speak unless you are spoken to."

Rin huffed but fell silent as she was told, and beside her, Surudoi gave a soft murmured, "Well done. Now is not the time to...rebel against our lord, Lady Rin."

"First off," Reigitadashi mused, "I believe we would all like to know what is with the human woman, Sesshomaru. The last time the four of us met, I distinctly remember you claiming hatred over the humans. Then I hear rumors of a human ward and now this? Do you plan to go so far as to mate the creature?"

Rin's mouth dropped open in outrage, but Kimi cut in with a small growl before she could say anything. "My son has no intentions of doing such a task, Reigitadashi. As you can clearly tell for yourself, this human is as different from the rest of them as a miko is. We are merely curious as to why and are looking into it."

Sesshomaru gave a curt nod to show he agreed with what Kimi said, then cut in stiffly, "The half-breed's mate decided that we at the Western Fortress were better suited for protecting her," he shot Unarigoe a look, "as we inspected the abnormally."

"Kagome found her, then, eh?" Koga said thoughtfully, studying Rin with a newfound look of respect in his eyes. "S'pose she's not too bad, then. If the miko who defeated Naraku and destroyed the Shikon no Tama decided you would be best for figuring it out, we can't argue."

Both Reigitadashi and Mizuki nodded in agreement as Ayame thoughtfully inclined her head towards her mate in her own.

Unarigoe on the other hand made a face. "You believe Sesshomaru is capable of such a thing because of a miko? You are all pathetic."

"This miko could purify your ass in two seconds flat, Unarigoe," Reigitadashi said bluntly, "Shut it." Unarigoe clicked his mouth shut with a growl, looking ready to maul the snake demon.

"Can we focus on the true reason for this meeting?" Kimi said with exasperation.

"Then there's no need for four of the ten in this room to be here," Unarigoe said coldly, glaring at Rin full-out. Rin ignored it in favor of asking Ringu something. Ringu answered quietly in her ear, and Sesshomaru found himself giving the ogre a dirty look before answering calmly, "They are required to deal with peace treaties, Unarigoe. You can deal with them or hand your leadership over to your son."

"Would probably be better for everyone here," Kimi snarled under her breath.

Unarigoe's eyes flashed furiously and a low snarl left his lips.

"Can we stop arguing?" Mizuki demanded, looking flat-out furious. She turned to Sesshomaru. "I am willing to continue our alliance, Sesshomaru. Same to you, Reigitadashi. But all peace with the northern demons is terminated until you take over, Koga. Unarigoe, your demons have begun to attack mine along that border, and I'm sick of it. Make them stop, or you have a war on your hands."

"Fine," Unarigoe snarled, rolling his eyes. "I will order the attacks to stop."

"You mean you ordered for them to happen in the first place?" Reigitadashi hissed, eyes flashing furiously. "They have been happening along the borders of my lands, too."

Unarigoe rolled his eyes as Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. "I was bored."

"Then it's settled," Mizuki spat out, pointing at Koga with a deadly look. "You're in charge. You let your people know that, Koga, you hear me? You're Lord of the North now. Your father is no longer capable of such responsibility and I have no wishes for a war right now, even if I have Reigitadashi and Sesshomaru on my side."

Reigitadashi arched an eyebrow. "I'm on your side, Mizuki?" She glared at him. "Yes, I'm on your side, Mizuki. You, too, right? Sesshomaru?"

Sesshomaru simply grunted, rising from his seat when Unarigoe leaped to his feet. The wolf demon bared his fangs viciously, furious with the other demons at the table. Unarigoe's enraged glare turned on Rin, who flinched away, and Sesshomaru instinctively moved closer to the human. Ringu and Surudoi stepped forward, weapons tightly grasped in their hands. But then he smiled with a look of near craziness on his face. "Fine. Koga's in charge." He held his hands up in surrender, his gaze flicking to Rin again before he turned away and stalked from the room.

It was silent for all of a moment before Sesshomaru sat back down again, his gaze turning on Koga. "If you so much as dare follow in your father's footsteps, wolf, the west will have no issue in taking over your land. Is that clear?"

Koga curled a lip. "I have no interest in war at the moment, thank you. And I can assure you that your human is safe."

Rin gave a shaky sigh, glancing at Kimi, who nervously exchanged a concerned look with her.

Why, Rin wondered, did it feel as if their problems with Unarigoe weren't quite over yet?

A/N

And...psychotic wolf demon guy. Unarigoe's an ass that I'm really not happy with right now. Anyone else? Also made a mistake in my Names, Meanings, etc. thing on that last chapter. Kokoro is a crane, not a cougar. Don't know where that came from...

Names, Meanings, etc.

Surudoi (sharp eyes) - 200+ Years Old - One of Sesshomaru's men and Rin's new personal guard, a hawk demon

Reviews

Leonhart9: Kimi is pretty cool. I love her.

dragonroses: So do I. x-x My muse just goes out the window occasionally.

Grumpy DelSan13: The chapter unintentionally answered your question. Lol. I'm glad you're enjoying. :)

rosaji: I went back and reread the chapter after your review and I have to agree. For some reason, Rin does sound a bit like a brat. Gonna hopefully slowly fix that over time. Lol.